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Physician Salary in San Diego, CA

Physician salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Physician Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026

The median Physician salary in San Diego, CA is $340,800 per year ($28,400/month, $164/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.

Entry Level
$278K
$134/hr
Median
$341K
$164/hr
Senior
$483K
$232/hr
Top Earner
$627K
$302/hr

Physician Take-Home Pay in San Diego

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$340,800
Federal Tax-$83,577
State Tax (9.3%)-$31,694
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$15,860
Annual Take-Home$209,669
Monthly Take-Home$17,472

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio8.8%
Median Home Price$780,000
Cost of Living Index160
City Median Salary$78,500
Physician vs City Median+$262,300

Physician Requirements

Education
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Experience
3-7 years residency
Job Growth
3.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

DiagnosisTreatment PlanningPatient CommunicationClinical ResearchEHR

San Diego Job Market Overview

San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physician salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Physician salary in San Diego, CA is $340,800 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Physicians earn around $278,400, while senior-level professionals can earn $483,200 or more.
How much does a Physician take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Physician earning the median salary of $340,800 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $209,669 per year ($17,472/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 38.5%.
Is San Diego a good city for Physicians?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Physicians here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a Physician in San Diego?
Key skills for Physicians include Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Patient Communication, Clinical Research, EHR. Typical education requirement is Doctor of Medicine (MD). Valuable certifications include USMLE, Board Certification, State Licensure.
How does Physician salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Physician salary is $213,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $340,800, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physician salary in San Diego, CA?

The median Physician salary in San Diego, CA is $340,800 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Physicians earn around $278,400, while senior-level professionals can earn $483,200 or more.

How much does a Physician take home in San Diego after taxes?

A Physician earning the median salary of $340,800 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $209,669 per year ($17,472/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 38.5%.

Is San Diego a good city for Physicians?

San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Physicians here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.

What skills are needed for a Physician in San Diego?

Key skills for Physicians include Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Patient Communication, Clinical Research, EHR. Typical education requirement is Doctor of Medicine (MD). Valuable certifications include USMLE, Board Certification, State Licensure.

How does Physician salary in San Diego compare to the national average?

The national median Physician salary is $213,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $340,800, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.